The Ensemble

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Star

The Ensemble is a highly competitive audition-only group, developed in 2015 by Stacey Flaster and Liz Fauntleroy, mostly because they felt that middle-school aged kids 6th-8th grade needed a place to perform musical theater productions at a higher level. Using the experience that Stacey and Liz have gained from their professional backgrounds in musical theater around Chicago and beyond, they now share their collective knowledge and skills with the kids to create spectacular productions with top-notch production values. These high-level shows include great sound, live orchestras, fully realized and designed costumes, gorgeous sets and props and superb lighting. Rehearsals are weekly, Thursdays from 6 to 9 PM and Sundays from 12 to 5. In addition to rehearsing for the show, Stacey and Liz also invite between two to four per year to work with the kids on different areas of the arts, such as dance, improv, on-camera acting, stage combat and many other areas. Included in the ensemble fee, the students will attend two professional musicals. Our Ensemble performs in two full productions, one in December and one in May.  

Grades: 6th - 8th

Rehearsals:   

Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm 

Sundays from 12pm to 5pm

Highwood Rec Center

Highwood

Performances:

The Skokie Theatre,

December and May

 

Cost: (Upon Acceptance Into The Ensemble)

 

A $500 fee is due upon casting to hold your spot in the Ensemble.  This fee is separate from tuition and is non-refundable. 

 

Semester 1 Tuition : $1325 is due AUGUST 27, 2022

Semester 2 Tuition : $1325 is due  DECEMBER 1, 2022

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*Ensemble Tuition is non-refundable. 

Special circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Basic Information:

GROUP INFORMATION:​

  • Ensemble rehearsals start in late August and run through May. 

  • We have a live accompanist at all of our rehearsals.

  • We hire professional choreographers to choreograph our shows.

  • All students will attend 2 professional theatre productions, 1 each semester.

  • A professional guest artist is hired to work with the students each semester to workshop a specific aspect of performance.

  • Every student is given 2 comps per semester for the show.

  • Included in your tuition are two t-shirts, one for each production

  • Everybody must re-audition each year. The purpose: to re-engage and show the student's growth and commitment.  

  • Shows are announced after our group has been chosen. The December show is announced in August, the May show is announced in December.

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AUDITION INFOMATION:

  • Auditions for The Ensemble are typically in May or June for the coming school year.

  • There will be a live accompanist for our auditions

  • Please prepare two 32 bar cuts of two contrasting pieces (an uptempo and a ballad/or a contemporary and a classic musical theatre. 

  • Bring sheet music in your key, properly mark it, and put it in a binder. No full songs. Do not sing A cappella.

  • Bring a picture and resume to your audition with your contact info, age and grade in school.  The picture does not have to be professionally done. 

  • Please wear a mask to your audition. We will have a conflict sheet for you to fill out when you arrive. You will be asked to list your vaccination status.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition.

  • You will be contacted by email if you are selected.